That slogan epitomizes service, with two sons following their father, 25 years later, into the same branch of the military: the Marines.

Family, friends and military personnel from all branches gathered Sunday at Joyce-Schirick Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1386 on East Chester Street Bypass to welcome home from two tours in Afghanistan U.S. Marine E4 Nicholas Ramsell of Hurley.

A smiling Ramsell walked between two rows of color guard at attention to cheers and applause of well-wishers as the Marine theme song played.

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Fresh from his most recent tour, Ramsell, 23, said he got back home just about a week ago. Assigned to the infantry, Ramsell said he was an assault man whose job was to patrol, deter enemy forces and mitigate their ability to attack U.S. bases. He also was a sniper for a time and served in combat zones.

Ramsell has moved upward into a leadership position as an E4. He served in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011 and 2011 to 2012. He said he split his time in the desert region and farming communities of Afghanistan.

"Glad to be home," a happy Ramsell said. He said he holds an associate's degree from Ulster County Community College, but plans to seek a bachelor of science degree in engineering.

"For now, though, I'll go back to UCCC in the fall," Ramsell said.

His father Richard Sr. served as a Marine in Vietnam from 1964 to 1968. His older brother, Richard Jr., served as a Marine from 1993 to 1997.

"The esprit de corps and the respect the Marines have for each other carried forward to my sons," Richard Ramsell Sr. said. He said he is still in contact with Marine buddies who served with him in Vietnam.

He said Nick will join the family business, Ramsell and Sons Painting Contractors, with his older brother, until fall when classes begin at the community college.